The City of Danville is looking for sponsors for the proposed Danville Rides Bike Rental Service in order to offset the costs for the program.
The program, which has an annual price tag of $45,000, has been approved by City Council and will offer visitors to the area a recreational opportunity while providing citizens an alternate mode of transportation. The proposed plan includes five rental stations with five bikes at each station.
"This is a great way for the city to showcase it's Riverwalk Trail and River District to residents and visitors," City Manager Ken Larking said.
Larking is hoping area businesses will support the program in the form of sponsorships.
"Thousands of people use the Riverwalk Trail every year," Larking added. "Businesses will be able to help make this program a success while also getting their name out in the community."
There are several sponsor levels with varied benefits to the sponsoring company. Sponsors will be able to brand the bike stations, bikes and/or associated digital and print marketing depending on sponsorship level. Packages begin at $9,000.
Bike stations will be located in the River District, allowing users access to the Riverwalk Trail, which will soon span from the Danville Regional Airport to Ballou Park.
“Essentially, a bike user could access Danville from the River District to Riverside Drive,” said Danville Parks and Recreation Director Bill Sgrinia. “Many communities are using the bike rental programs as alternate modes of transportation.”
Users can download an app on their smartphones to assist with the checking out and checking in of bikes.
“This is a pretty smart program,” Sgrinia said. “Riders will be able to use their phones in order to access a bike and to pay for their usage, making Danville a little more accessible while providing a great form of exercise. We want Danville Rides to be a form of recreation while also providing the citizens an additional transportation service.”
City officials hope to start the program in the next few months. Anyone business interested in sponsoring a bike station or parts of the program can contact Sgrinia at 434-799-5200 or email sgrinwo@danvilleva.gov.
